In the news this week, BBC announces River City to end in 2026, Pact chief executive John McVay warns broadcasters need to be more transparent about their long-term commissioning plans or risk a diminished indie landscape, and the Grierson Awards announce two new categories for their 2025 awards.
Read about it in this week’s Digest.
News
• The BBC has announced River City is to come to an end in 2026. (BBC) A statement from Directors UK CEO Andy Harrower: "This is going to be a killer blow to our members based in Scotland, for whom the last couple of years have been really challenging in terms of having enough work to sustain a living. The BBC has indicated that the money saved will be reallocated to other Scottish production. This must happen, and it must translate into work opportunities for Scottish talent. We will hold the BBC to account on this."
• Broadcasters need to be more transparent about their long-term commissioning plans or risk a “bleak” diminished indie landscape, Pact chief executive John McVay has warned. (Broadcast)
• Adolescence writer Jack Thorne has said the government must help avert a “devastating” crisis in TV drama. (Deadline)
• The Grierson Awards has opened its entries for 2025 with two new categories, awarding the best crime and justice documentary and best returning documentary series. (Broadcast)
• The UK’s television industry is being hit by a “perfect storm” that risks leading to British stories disappearing from the small screen, Elisabeth Murdoch has said. (Guardian)
Features
• Following TV series Adolescence and Sir Gareth Southgate recently shining a light on the issue, Newsnight discussed the impact toxic masculinity has on young men today. (BBC iPlayer)
Director Interviews
• Laura Carreira on her feature debut On Falling. (Guardian)
• Philip Barantini on the making of Adolescence. (The Standard)
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